It’s “Go Time” for the 45th Ryder Cup and this month’s cover story provides in-depth coverage of the greatest team event in golf. Contested at the iconic Bethpage Black on Long Island on Sept. 26-28, the game’s best players from the U.S. and Europe will engage in an epic battle in front of a raucous New York fan base – and on one of course designer A.W. Tillinghast’s masterpiece layouts.
Bethpage Black, and all the courses at Bethpage State Park, are open to the public for anyone to play, which makes hosting the Ryder Cup here even more incredible. The Black Course will provide the greatest test of golf in the ultimate team competition, as the U.S. Team looks to reclaim the coveted Ryder Cup Trophy on home soil.
Speaking of the trophy, did you know that the golfer on top of the Ryder Cup Trophy is Abe Mitchell, like all of us a PGA Professional (Great Britain and Ireland)? Abe is on the trophy because he taught Samuel Ryder how to play the game and they formed a friendship as coach and student. It’s a true testament to the power and impact that we have as PGA of America Members.
There is simply nothing else like the Ryder Cup, and every two years it provides endless storylines, while shining the brightest light possible on the PGA of America and our members. It is our showcase event and a showcase for the world that produces historic moments, whether it’s played in the U.S. or Europe.
One of the great storylines this year will be U.S. Captain Keegan Bradley, the son of a PGA of America Golf Professional, Mark Bradley, and a St. John’s University graduate who played at Bethpage Black as a student. In fact, Keegan and his teammates used to sneak onto the course and play, thanks to a sympathetic superintendent. That is why many consider Bethpage Black to be a true “home course” for Captain Bradley. This local knowledge, along with his leadership skills and passion for the Ryder Cup, will be a tremendous asset to combat a very talented Team Europe squad.
The Ryder Cup, however, is more than three days of world-class team competition. It’s a week-long series of special activities, including the Junior Ryder Cup, where young American and European stars of tomorrow compete in a team format just like the game’s best. PGA of America Master Professional Suzy Whaley, who served as the 41st PGA President and is a member of the PGA of America Hall of Fame, will lead the U.S. Team of six boys and six girls as they compete in the 13th Junior Ryder Cup at Nassau Country Club on Sept. 23-24, with the final round at Bethpage Black on Sept. 25. This is such a meaningful event and has been a true stepping stone for the future stars of our great game, such as Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas, Lexi Thompson and Rose Zhang.
Then there are the Ryder Cup All-Star Matches, where athletes and entertainers representing the U.S. and Europe come together in a spirited competition that is always a fun event, as spectators get up close to see some of their favorite stars, including Eli Manning, Noah Kahan and Miranda Lambert.
Ryder Cup Week also plays a special role for Veterans, as the PGA of America integrates several PGA of America REACH Foundation and PGA HOPE activations to honor America’s heroes, while showcasing how the game of golf is truly changing and saving lives. I am super excited to watch several PGA HOPE Ambassadors walk the fairways alongside the U.S. and European Ryder Cup Team members as they serve as standard bearers during the actual competition.
There is so much more to Ryder Cup Week, but it all centers on the 45th edition of this storied competition that will be both magical and historical in the backdrop of New York City. Special thanks to the on-site Ryder Cup staff, the Metropolitan PGA Section, our PGA Championships Department and the entire team at the PGA of America who make this event truly world-class. God bless and Go USA!
Sincerely,
Don Rea Jr., PGA President, PGA of America
